There is Always Hope
Sneakers bearing the famous image painted by Banksy. Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
“There is always hope.” This powerful message by renowned artist Banksy prompts us to consider whether hope truly exists in today's troubled world. Since 2016, we’ve witnessed a rise in authoritarianism, the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts like Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine, and growing political polarization at home.
Canada faces a challenging relationship with the United States, raising concerns about its sovereignty. Historically, figures like Prime Minister John A. MacDonald sought to solidify Canada’s autonomy through Confederation and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway to deter U.S. expansion. But he also endorsed and expanded a system of education designed to eliminate the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.
As Canada approaches its 160th birthday, we must reflect on our national identity and address injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. I am grateful for the Circle for Democratic Solidarity, which is dedicated to strengthening Canada’s democracy and fostering reconciliation.
My work with the Remembering Project leads me to interpret Banksy’s mural as representing the Indigenous children who suffered in Canada’s residential school system. The little girl in the mural, releasing a red, heart-shaped balloon, symbolizes the children who let go of things they held dear, including their love for their languages, identities and cultures and a sense of connection and belonging from their families and communities.
I aspire to return this “balloon” to each Indigenous child and survivor, not physically, but through my commitment to fostering an inclusive democracy by researching these students. This work gives me hope that Canada can write a new chapter in its story, where hope and love shine together.
Kayona Karunakumar
